Today's podcast is brought to you from on board the surprise Florence Express after my delayed indirect train became a direct train – a minor Italian rail miracle. I'll talk you through how trains in Italy work, from ticketing (yes, you can book on Trainline) to high-speed competition. A nation where rail is really important – and a joy for the traveller.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can subscribe to here: http://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.